Off The Track: More Tales From The New Zealand Bush

'Big Al' Lester was born in Nelson, the second youngest of four children. As a young man, he had played rugby, golf, softball and basketball all at representative level. Despite these achievements, Al got most pleasure from time spent in the mountains and valleys hunting deer and other wild game. Starting out in the banking industry, Al later joined the New Zealand Police. Being a solid 6'4" tall, perhaps he was better suited to the latter role. After doing the hard yards, Al was promoted to his current rank of Detective Sergeant. He is the author of seven collections of yarns. At 53, Al is still an avid hunter with a love of the mountains and a liking for beer. He lives in Christchurch.